The closing date has passed. Please check our latest open bursaries and closing soon opportunities below.
The Tharisa Bursary is a comprehensive financial aid programme for South African students pursuing tertiary studies in mining-related fields, particularly in engineering, geology, and chemistry. Provided by Tharisa Minerals, it covers tuition, accommodation, and provides a stipend, while offering vacation work and a graduate internship.
Quick Summary of Tharisa Bursary
| Bursary Name | Tharisa Bursary |
|---|---|
| Company / Organisation | Tharisa (Tharisa Minerals) |
| Fields Covered | Analytical Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Geology, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Metallurgy/Chemical Engineering, Mining Engineering |
| Who Can Apply | South African citizens with Matric (min 60% in Maths & Physical Science), studying at accredited institutions (preference for North West local communities) |
| Closing Date | 18 February 2026 (for 2026 studies) – closed |
| How to Apply | Online via Tharisa career portal (Reference: THMB006RM) when open |
Table of Contents
- Bursary Overview
- Who the Bursary is For
- Fields of Study Covered
- What the Bursary Covers
- Eligibility Requirements
- Required Documents
- Step-by-Step How to Apply
- Closing Date
- Selection Process (if available)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Important Notes & Warnings
- Related Searches Section
Tharisa Bursary Overview
The Tharisa Bursary South Africa is offered by Tharisa Minerals, a leading integrated resource company that mines platinum group metals (PGMs) and chrome in the North West Province. Tharisa plays a key role in supplying materials used in everyday products like car catalytic converters and stainless steel.
The company runs this bursary programme to help talented South African students from local mining communities study in high-demand fields linked to the mining industry. Mining needs skilled engineers, geologists and scientists to keep operations safe, efficient and sustainable. Tharisa created the bursary to remove financial barriers so students can focus on their studies and build successful careers.
Successful students get full financial support plus real industry experience through vacation work at the mine and a one-year graduate internship after graduation. This gives them practical skills and a strong chance of employment at Tharisa or in the wider mining sector.
Even though applications for the 2026 academic year have closed, the Tharisa Bursary remains an important opportunity for future students, especially those living near Tharisa operations in the North West. If you are passionate about mining, engineering or science and come from a local community, this bursary was designed to help you succeed.
Keep checking Bursaries Open Now for the next cycle. South Africa’s mining industry is growing, and bursaries like this help develop the skilled workforce the country needs. (Word count so far in section: ~290)
Internal link: See more Engineering Bursaries South Africa or Mining bursaries.
Who the Tharisa Bursary is For
This bursary is for South African citizens who have completed Matric and want to study in mining-related fields. It especially helps students from local communities and labour-sending areas in the North West Province.
Tharisa knows that many talented young people in mining areas cannot afford tertiary education. The bursary targets those who need financial help the most while showing strong academic potential in Maths and Physical Science. It is perfect for motivated students who dream of working in mining, engineering or science but need support to get there.
Recipients not only get funding but also gain hands-on experience through vacation work and a graduate internship. This prepares them for real jobs in the industry.
Internal link: Browse more opportunities on our Open Bursaries page or Closing Soon.
Fields of Study Covered by Tharisa Bursary
The Tharisa Bursary South Africa covers these critical mining and engineering fields:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Electrical Engineering
- Geology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Metallurgy / Chemical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
You must study full-time towards one of these qualifications at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa. These fields are in high demand because they support safe, modern and sustainable mining operations.
By funding these studies, Tharisa is helping to build the next generation of professionals who will drive innovation in the mining sector.
Internal link: Explore more options in our Engineering Bursaries South Africa category.
What the Tharisa Bursary Covers
The Tharisa Bursary provides full financial support so you can focus completely on your studies. It covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Prescribed books
- A monthly allowance for living expenses
On top of the money, you get practical benefits:
- Vacation work at the Tharisa mine at the end of each year
- A one-year graduate internship after you finish your studies
This combination of funding and work experience helps you graduate with both a qualification and real industry skills.
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet ALL of these requirements:
- Be a South African citizen
- Have completed Matric
- Have achieved a minimum of 60% in Mathematics in Matric
- Have achieved a minimum of 60% in Physical Science in Matric
- Be studying or accepted to study towards one of the approved fields listed above
- Be studying or registered at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
- Not be receiving any other bursary or sponsorship
Preference is given to students from local communities or labour-sending areas in the North West Province. If you do not meet every requirement, your application will not be considered.
Required Documents
You need to submit clear copies of these documents (certified where required):
- South African ID document (certified copy)
- Recent head-and-shoulders photo
- Matric certificate (certified copy)
- Full academic record (on institution letterhead)
- Proof of acceptance or registration at your institution (on institution letterhead)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Proof of household income (latest payslips if employed, affidavit if unemployed, or proof of social grant)
Missing any document can get your application rejected.
Step-by-Step How to Apply for Tharisa Bursary
When the bursary opens again:
- Go to the official Tharisa online application portal (Reference Number: THMB006RM).
- Complete the application form (it may look like a job application form – this is normal; the company uses the same portal).
- In salary fields, enter “0” or “N/A”.
- Enter “www.bursariesopennow.co.za” in the field that asks how you heard about the bursary.
- Upload all required documents in the correct sections (CV in the CV section, academic documents in the Qualifications section).
- Submit your application before the closing date.
Applications are only accepted online. Keep copies of everything you upload.
Closing Date for Tharisa Bursary
18 February 2026 (for the 2026 academic year). Applications for the next cycle (2027) are not yet open. “Not officially specified” for future dates. Check Bursaries Open Now regularly for updates.
Selection Process for Tharisa Bursary
Not officially specified. Selection is competitive and based on academic performance, meeting all eligibility criteria, and preference for local North West applicants. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- Frequently Asked Questions Q: Can Matric students apply? A: Yes, if you have your Matric results and provisional acceptance.
Q: Is preference only for North West students? A: Preference is given to local communities, but all qualifying South African citizens can apply.
Q: Does the bursary cover everything? A: Yes – full tuition, accommodation, books and a monthly allowance.
Q: Do I have to work for Tharisa after graduation? A: Yes, you must complete a one-year graduate internship.
Q: What if I already have NSFAS? A: You will not qualify if you are receiving any other bursary or sponsorship.
Q: How many bursaries are awarded? A: The number changes each year depending on funding (in 2023 they awarded 11).
Q: Is there vacation work required? A: Yes, you must do vacation work at the mine every year.
Important Notes & Warnings
- Only complete applications submitted before the closing date will be considered.
- Late or incomplete applications are automatically rejected.
- Do NOT contact Tharisa if the bursary has already closed. Use Tel: 011 996 3500 only when applications are open.
- The bursary is highly competitive – make sure you meet every requirement and submit strong documents.
- Bursary recipients must do annual vacation work and a one-year graduate internship after graduation.
- Always check the official Tharisa career portal or Bursaries Open Now for the next opening.
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